Le Forem (Wallonia's employment and training service) announced yesterday (Wednesday) that, at the end of March, Wallonia had some 220,865 jobseekers. This is 9,047 less jobseekers or a decrease of 3.9%, compared to March 2016.
Calculated on a yearly basis, the numbers seeking work thus reduced for the 33rd consecutive month in Wallonia.
The detailed breakdown at the end of March included 152,460 claiming Belgium's equivalent of Jobseeker’s Allowance, and 26,656 youngsters undertaking a form of work experience.
To these figures are added 26,940 compulsorily registered jobseekers and 14,809 jobseekers registered voluntarily. This makes a total of 220,865 jobseekers.
It equates to 14% of the active Walloon population, compared to 14.6% at the end of March 2016 and 15.7% at the end of March 2015.
Year-on-year, all age categories are affected by the decrease in unemployment, and particularly those under 25 (with a decrease of 5.3%) and those aged 40 to 49 (with a decrease of 5%).
Compared to February 2017, the number of jobseekers reduced by 3.2% or 7,221 individuals.
During March 2017, Le Forem handled 19,447 job offers, which is an increase of 42.6% compared to March 2016.
Wallonia's regional employment and training office says that this increase partly translates by the development in job opportunities within businesses in Wallonia. It also reflects the growing number of private partners resorting to Le Forem to promote job offers.
The Brussels Times
